Tolix-like armchairs for sale

If you like these Tolix armchairs, and live in London, I have 4 for sale just like the one you see above (from Graham and Green). They are in really good condition, but I have no room for them now. I'll probably put them on ebay, however I thought I'd put them here first. Leave a comment or send an email to interiordivineblog@gmail.com if you're interested.  (top 2 photos from Domino magazine) here are the actual chairs below:

colorful & summery scenes

Country Living UK July 2007

 previous two photos from Joanna Henderson

Though in no particular grouping or arrangement, I liked these vignettes because they capture the summer feel. The past few days in London have not been so summery, but today seems like a turnaround! I love laid-back and relaxed sunny rooms that look like they could have come from a country home. (top three photos from UK Country Living, fourth photo from Living Etc.)

The last three photos were from the April/May issue of Lonny magazine, from Deborah Lloyd's home in upstate New York- that was my favorite feature in this issue!

A family's Paris loft

What a charming family loft I found in June 2010's NIDO, a German magazine. I think the article is entitled "From the crate," but German readers can correct me. I love her kitchen shelving is made from old wine crates! The childrens' rooms is my favorite with the little toy loft, lights and art on the walls.

I like that you can see things they use everyday in the photos and it doesn't look completely staged.  I wouldn't say it's untidy, but more normal in the sense that not everything is put away or hidden. 

This home made me think of a new book I recently came across (thanks to Decor8) with the laboriously long title, "A Perfectly Kept House Is the Sign of a Misspent Life: Creative Ideas and Real-life Tips for Making Your Home Lived-in, Warm, Welcoming and One-of-A-Kind ....Worrying About Everything Being Just Right)!" by Mary Randolph Carter. I can't wait to see this book, and I imagine it may show lots of spaces just like this one. It brings up the question of how comfortable you are living with a bit of a "mess." 

I wonder if we become too accustomed to seeing perfect spaces in magazines and if that makes us unsatisfied with our own surroundings if they look less than photo-ready? For example, I hate looking at a hodge-podge of commercial labels on things we use, so I keep those things (unless they're pretty) off the counters and out of sight. I'm sure there are many examples. I also dislike seeing electrical cords, and am always trying to find ways to hide them. However, my house will never look "styled" because I don't have the time or talent. And we actually live in it! But unsightly or messy areas still bother me! What level of "mess" are you comfortable with, and do you find yourself trying to pretty up the unmatching or unsightly things about your space ? (photos by Michel Figuet)

Relaxed and bright country style

I recently discovered the German magazine "We Love Living." I love it- from cover to cover, the photos are inspiring and filled with sunlight. The slight problem is that I can read about 4 words in German! It has hardly detracted from my enjoyment of the articles, strangely. I'm sure other readers can relate somewhat to enjoying foreign language magazines solely for the photos? The first home featured is the home of Christina and Lars Durling. I'm not sure where it is, other than it's in the country. I find it summery and cheerful! (photos by Ulrika Ekblom/ Linnea Press June 2010 we love living)

French farmhouse obsession continues: a home in Gard, Provence

  

   

all photos by Bob Smith

I'll stop posting converted farmhouse homes at some point, I'm sure. But for now, I keep finding such gorgeous country homes that I just can't help it.  Plus the people who attempt this kind of thing tend to be interesting, adventurous types. The owners of this one are New Zealanders  living in London who one day decided they wanted to work for themselves. So they picked up and moved to France, opened  a restaurant and bravely renovated this dwelling. Perhaps this is my own dream too. So cool! You'll be able to see more detail if you click the photos. (photography by Bob Smith, in Living Etc. August, 2008)

Converted farmhouse in South Africa

 

  

 

Doesn't this look so light and springy?  Feasting my eyes on all the sunshine and white in this converted farmhouse in rural South Africa.  Love the chipped white furniture, the white frames, and that kitchen work table, which the family made. Would love to see more photographs of this home. (photos from Living Etc. July 2009)